If your car is having problems starting, you may have a wet distributor cap. If the car usually starts, but has trouble starting on rainy or humid days, the distributor cap is the most likely cause. You can dry the distributor cap in order to start the car, and get you where you're going. Eventually, though, you'll need to find out why the distributor cap takes on moisture. Until then, you'll need to learn how to dry the cap each time it gets wet.

Removing The Distributor Cap

Use a wrench to remove the battery terminals. Most battery terminals can be removed with a 10 mm wrench, but size it up to be sure so that you don't strip the bolt heads.

Lift the battery out of the car and set it aside so that it is out of your way.

Locate the distributor cap. It is a cylindrical cap that encases the ignition part of your engine. You will notice the spark plug wires connected to it.

Draw a diagram of where the wires are connected, and remove them. You could also take a photo if you have a digital or instant photo camera, rather than drawing a diagram.

Remove the two bolts at the top of the cap, and the bolt at the bottom of the cap with a wrench. Note that the bolts will remove from the rest of the engine, but will remain on the cap.

Lift the cap from the engine, and place it onto a clean towel.

Drying The Cap

Place the cap upside down, and spray it with your carburetor cleaner.

Shake the cap around gently, to allow the cleaner to reach every crevice.

Use a clean, lint-free, dry towel to dry the cap out completely. Leave in a warm place for an hour to complete the drying process.

Replace the cap, spark plug wires, bolts and battery the way you took them off.

Items you will need

References

About the Author

Ashley Kurz, a full-time professional writer since 2009, publishes on various informational websites. An expert in the craft field specializing in craft-related topics, Kurz has taught arts and crafts for group therapy sessions.